Jackson Middle School student saves family from house fire page 2

Anoka-Hennepin ’ s Fit for the Future Task Force , which is studying facility needs in the school district , is nearing completion of its work , and final recommendations are expected in January .

Since beginning its work last April , the 34-member task force of community and staff members has met six times in an effort to study the long-term classroom and facility needs of Anoka-Hennepin ’ s schools and programs over the next 10 to 15 years .

The task force has listened to presentations on facility needs at all levels , enrollment growth , community growth , demographic changes , transportation , community education program needs , media center needs , and finance . In addition , the group has toured the district ’ s five regular high schools , and saw a recent district-wide facility utilization study .

Among the greatest challenges the district is facing is a sudden increase in enrollment in Anoka-Hennepin ’ s schools . While demographers predicted an enrollment increase of 165 students for this school year , the now-official Oct . 1 numbers show an increase of 644 students across the organization — 479 more than expected . That ’ s on top of the 2,024 students

University Avenue teacher honored for integrating STEM into art

The Fit for the Future Task Force works in small groups during its Sept . 8 meeting at Coon Rapids High School .

One facility challenge the task force is studying is the use of portable classrooms , such as those at Champlin Park High School .

attending Anoka-Hennepin schools through open enrollment , an increase of 372 over two years ago .

Another space challenge is the increased need for special education classrooms . Some 15.1 percent of Anoka- Hennepin students receive special education services , an increase of nearly 2 percent since 2006 , and the program ’ s

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FALL 2016

Partnerships bring unexpected benefits

By Superintendent David Law

In today ’ s schools we expect our students to reach and even exceed academic goals in preparation for success in an increasingly competitive world . As students build this academic foundation , schools seek to imbed the life skills of teamwork and collaboration .

Creating a better world for us all will require our students to master working together to solve problems and create solutions . Already this school year we have witnessed some strong examples of how students working together have made a difference . In addition , we have also experienced areas where partnerships have provided benefits that could not be predicted .

Student leaders at Andover High School took on an environmental challenge for both the school and community , an effort that was rewarded with a first-place finish in the Wyland National Mayor ’ s Challenge for Water Conservation . Students developed a multimedia campaign and coordinated efforts with community organizations and city officials all rallying around a common water reduction goal . Their efforts not only resulted in the City of continued on page 6

Sat ., Jan . 21 I 9 a . m . to 1 p . m .

Roosevelt Middle School • 650 – 125th Ave . NE , Blaine

Free for the entire family !

Keynote speaker : Jerrid Sebesta

Formerly seen on KARE11-TV Jerrid challenges audiences to look at their own personal dreams , then pursue them with passion .

• Sampler fitness classes for adults

• Educational wellness seminars

• Multi-sport and fitness youth activities

• Early childhood activities , bounce house

• Open swim ( 1:30-3:30 p . m .)

• Book and DVD swap

• 30 + local wellness exhibitors

anoka . k12 . mn . us / communitywellnessday

Presented by :

Sponsored by :